Saturday, October 31, 2015

Saturday, October 31, 2015

[Keesha Sullivan]

Whoever YOU are reading this blog right now, I want you to know. YOU ARE LOVED! :-) "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for [YOU, BELOVED because you] fear him" (Psalm 103:11). "As a father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on [YOU, because you] fear him" (Psalm 103:13). God created YOU to be loved by Him. He wanted YOU to know intimacy with your Father in heaven and to know that YOU are so, so special to Him.

Whoever YOU are reading this blog right now, I want to tell YOU that YOU aren't reading this by coincidence. God ordained this moment in time for YOU to read it, so that you would know "[God] created [YOUR] inmost being; [God] knit [YOU] together in [YOUR] mother's womb... [YOU are] fearfully and wonderfully made..." (Psalm 139:14). YOU were uniquely designed. There is no one else in this entire world that is quite like YOU.

From the moment YOU were born, God felt joy in knowing that YOU had come forth into the world. The same joy that a mother and father feel when looking at their baby for the first time can't even compare to the excitement that our Father in heaven felt when YOU were created. If I were a betting woman, I would bet that when YOU came forth that there was a celebration in heaven. The angels rejoiced and God smiled down on YOU.

God is with YOU. "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with [YOU because you] fear him, and his righteousness with [YOUR[ children's children" (Psalm 103:17). There is nothing on this earth that can separate our Father's love from You. Romans 8:38-39 says, "neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate [YOU] from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

YOU can spend eternity with our Heavenly Father that loves YOU more than YOU can begin to fathom when YOU " 9 confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in [YOUR] heart that God raised him from the dead" (Romans 10:9).

Lord, thank You for loving us so much. Thank You for knitting each one of us together to be loved and cared for by You. Thank You that we can trust You with our hearts and our lives. Thank You that each one of us is special. Thank You for watching over us from the time that we were infants to now. We love You so much Father. Thank You for life. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen.

Oct 30

Lamentations 3 October 30, 2015

Life is full of good news and bad news. As a pastor here are some situations when I had the good news and bad news arrive at the same time.  

The Good News is that the Women's Board voted to send me a get well card. The Bad News is the vote was 4 to 3.

Good News is Mrs. Jones is wild about my sermons.  The Bad News is Mrs. Jones is also wild about the "The Jerry Springer Show" and the movie "Texas Chain Saw Massacre 5."

It even gets worse… 

Good News is church attendance rose dramatically in August. The Bad News is that I was on vacation for the month.  

Ever feel like life is just a bunch of bad news?  That is where Jeremiah is today in the reading. A lament is song you sing at a funeral service. A lament is a song you sing in a minor key. So what does one do when living in a minor key?  I will share with you a few of the steps I take on the bad news days. First, I remember the Lord's love and compassion.  Lamentations 3:22 says, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." When I remember this truth it refocuses my heart to something greater than my problem.  When I sing about his compassion it transforms my heart.

People will disappoint you. People will betray you. People will drain you. But God will never turn his back on you.  Even when we are at our worse, God's love never fails. I need to remind myself of that good news every day.

I also need to remember the Lord's presence in my life.  Vs 24 says, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."  I can't enjoy the love of God unless I remember the presence of God.  This is the very heart of the message of the Bible. Christianity is not a religion of do's and don'ts; it's a relationship with the living LORD.  When I find myself living in that minor key I have forgotten I am not here alone.

So today the good news is you are loved and you are not alone. No matter what bad news shows up, you are going to make it. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, October 29

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015

Lamentations 1:1–2:19

Philemon 1

Psalm 101:1–8

Proverbs 26:20

 

 

In today’s reading, we approach the Letter to Philemon.  In it, Paul urges Philemon to accept Onesimus back into his household after Onesimus had run away.  During his time away from Philemon’s household, Onesimus has become a Christ-follower and has become a faithful servant to Paul, even during his time in prison.  Paul recommends that, in light of Onesimus’s apparent willingness to return to Philemon’s household and his newfound commitment to Jesus Christ, Philemon should accept Onesimus back as a not just a household servant, but also as a brother in Christ.

 

The restoration prescribed in this letter represents one of the Gospel’s core principles:  that, having been reconciled vertically with our Father God through the shed blood of Christ, we may have reconciliation with others in our midst.  That is, having received ultimate forgiveness through Christ, it is a small matter to forgive other people, particularly our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

This concept calls to mind the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, where Jesus describes a man that, though he had received forgiveness for an unpayable debt (representative of our sin), he proved unwilling to forgive a small debt (representative of our unforgiveness towards others).  Our willingness or unwillingness to extend forgiveness to those who have taken advantage of or wounded us points to our embrace of the Truth of the Gospel.  Having received forgiveness for our unpayable debt of sin, we may extend forgiveness, knowing that God will ultimately reconcile all things, including the pains and wounds that we have endured in this life.

 

The pattern of Paul’s letter also deserves our attention.  He directly addresses the matters and hand and concentrates on the truth and today or the future.  Many of our disagreements show our tendency to dwell on past hurts; we wish to exact punishment or revenge for what we have experienced.  In contrast, the Christ-follower may forgive with hope, knowing that, in His sovereignty, God will work out the details.  Therefore, any unforgiveness of others really speaks to our incomplete understanding and welcoming of God’s sovereignty and ability to reconcile all things:

 

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf:  Be reconciled to God.  God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

 

Like Paul, we urge others to be reconciled to God through Christ and to bring this message of reconciliation to bear through all human relationships.

 

Today’s proverb provides a helpful recommendation:  do not allow gossip to fuel the flames of discord.  By taming our tongues and speaking directly in times of disagreement, we may avoid further controversies.  It makes life a lot simpler, even if it removes some of the twisted excitement that we find in the center of a gossip trail.

 

Kindness and gentleness support quick resolution to conflicts.  Paul gives an example of being positive yet direct in his communication with Philemon.  Other modes of communication leave room for misinterpretation and further hurt feelings.

 

In light of these examples, how may you bring reconciliation in your relationships?  How may God minister to your heart in order to make you like Paul, a peacemaker?

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing the full penalty of our sin and providing the means for reconciliation between God and man.  We embrace Your forgiveness today and rejoice in it.  Give us wisdom and courage to extend forgiveness to others and to bring reconciliation through showing grace and mercy to those who have hurt us.  Help us to bring peace and to extend Your sweet aroma in the lives of the hurting and suffering.  We love You and praise You for this day.  In Your Name, we pray.  Amen.

 

________________________________________
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Oct. 28

Psalm 100

A Call to Worship
 
At some point we've all received an invitation for something.  This Psalm is an open ended invitation to worship.  As I read this Psalm I couldn't help but hear the inviting voice of God calling us to enter into His presence.  This isn't just any invitation though.  It comes with instructions on how to enter - we are to enter into the Presence of the Lord singing of His love and praising His Name.  He alone is worthy of our praise.  I imagined approaching His Throne of Grace and entering His gates with thanksgiving, praise and joy.  It brings me joy just thinking about it. I don't think this means we are to ignore situations that are going on in our lives, on the contrary, I think we are called to bring our tears  - allowing God to reign in our lives through our worship.   In verse 3 we are told that we belong to God - we get a glimpse of Him as our Shepherd. God is expecting us  -  we aren't coming to Him as strangers.  We come to Him as Sons and Daughters and we are met with an enduring love that lasts forever - we can RSVP to this invitation at any time  - as many times as we please.  It is as endless as the love that is extended to us. Lord, I pray today we RSVP to Your call to worship.  As we go into our day, I pray for all of us that we go with praise on our lips, singing of Your love and counting on Your faithfulness that continues through all generations.


Randi

October 26: To move forward, read in reverse...

Jeremiah 49:23-50:46

Titus 1:1-16

Psalms 97:1-98:9

Proverbs 26:13-16

So I was reading today's NT reading and it was sorta kinda making sense.  In verses 6-9, Paul describes the characteristics of an the men Titus was to appoint to an elder position within the Cretan church.  The characteristics did not just describe the elder himself, but his family - even his children ([who] believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient).  And then in verses 10-17 he explains why such is necessary- he talks of "rebellious people full of meaningless talk and deception...disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach - and that for the sake of dishonest gain."  He talks of the impure, "who claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him".  Not one to mince words - this was the man who, in Galatians, suggested those throwing the faithful into confusion should emasculate themselves - he then goes on to call such people "detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."  And he says they must be silenced.

Yet how to silence them, to rebut their arguments, to counter the seductiveness of their doctrine of self gratification?  Turns out, the answer is to be found by reading the passage backwards...because it is in the earlier parts where we see the description of a living rebuttal to the sinful nature described...a man blameless, faithful to his wife, not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.  Rather he is hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self controlled (the very antithesis of someone who acts for dishonest gain!), upright, holy and disciplined, and holding firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught.  Why?  So he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.  

What's interesting is the person described does not refute by words - rather, he refutes by example, by living a life other people will see, and will want to emulate.  It does not seem as though he is out there accusing others of sinfulness...rather he is teaching doctrine by living as an example.  

As a father with three children - a daughter already off to college and away from much of my influence, and two sons who are increasingly demonstrating minds of their own - I look at my life, my behavior and how I have raised my children, and cannot help but think at how far short I have fallen of the standard Paul describes, the example Paul wants the elders to set.  I fear for what my children may have learned - it is so good to find comfort in the psalmist's prayer, "for He guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked".

October 21

2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

The command here is to "be strong." This Greek verb is in the passive voice, so it's more accurately translated, "Let yourself be strengthened" or "be empowered".   In other words, we don't get strong by trying harder or drawing from our own strength. Being strong in this sense is not a matter of gritting our teeth and flexing our biceps.  This kind of strength comes from outside of ourselves; it comes from the grace found in Jesus Christ. God's grace is a kind of catch all phrase for everything God offers to infuse into our lives. 

Every person's life is like a power tool with an electrical plug. When we're plugged into Jesus Christ and his resources, those resources flow into our lives to empower us to do what we could not do on our own.  

Love people who are EGR's (extra grace required)

Patience when we're frustrated

Courage when we are fearful

Forgive those who hurt us

Strength to move out of our comfort zone and take a risk for the kingdom

All these things are grace gifts from God. When I am not plugged into God's grace, I don't have these grace resources. When I am not plugged in I am also saying that I am sufficient in my own resources. It takes humility to admit that I don't have the strength for life. But when I admit my weakness that is when I find God's strength.

You have heard of the Golden Rule, "Do to others as they do to you." Because of the super abundance and strength of God's grace we now live by the Platinum Rule, "Do to others as Christ has done to us." With his grace strengthening and empowering us we are sufficient for even the most difficult assignment.  

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, October 22

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015

Jeremiah 39:1–41:18

2 Timothy 1:1–18

Psalm 90:1–91:16

Proverbs 26:1,2

 

 

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

“That is why I am suffering as I am.  Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” (2 Timothy 2:12)

 

 

Despite our assumptions to the contrary, everyone struggles with insecurity and shame.  While we certainly cannot pinpoint the source of this insecurity for every person, it does seem that many people struggle nonetheless.  This insecurity and shame seem to emerge from concerns about the value of our being (shame) or our doing (guilt).  We may seek to hide our insecurities through becoming bold or outspoken, but this behavior really acts as a front to hide the true emotions underneath.

 

Although God created us “fearfully and wonderfully” in His image, we struggle to embrace this reality in our daily lives.  God has tuned our hearts to feel genuine remorse over sin, which does separate us from Him.  Yet, shame represents a conscious or unconscious preoccupation over our imperfections.  For those who have trusted Christ for salvation, God has effectively redeemed us and called us His own.  While our imperfections do remain, God views us through the lens of Christ’s righteousness.  We are similarly declared righteous through our connection with Christ.  Since the blood of Christ has canceled our sin, we no longer stand condemned before God.  The redemption has set us free to live for God and to enjoy His presence in our lives.

 

Even with this knowledge, however, we wrestle with shame.  The Evil One wars against us, lumping in His accusations with the “worldly sorrow” that brings “death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)  These accusations may neutralize us in our commitment to loving and serving God, causing us self-doubt and challenges to our faith.  Or, we may reflect on our relative smallness and wonder about God’s love.  These thoughts might even start from a place of humility, but they end in a false humility, an abasement of God’s good creation in us.

 

With Paul, we must remind others (and ourselves) of the truths related to our identity.  As Paul writes to Timothy, we should not carry a “spirit of timidity”; rather, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we enjoy a “spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”  Our identity has become wrapped in Christ, transforming us into God’s servants and made competent to serve as His ambassadors.

 

Paul then demonstrates that, despite the strong opposition he faces, he stands unashamed, echoing Romans 1:16:  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:  first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”  We may banish shame because of our connection to the Gospel.  We have become free:  to experience the Father-love of God and to participate with Him in His Kingdom purposes.

 

Let’s rejoice in this truth!  This song may give you some reflection material to bring about this joy:  “Good, Good Father.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djrY_eFDOwE)

 

 

Lord God, thank You for rescuing us from shame and guilt through sending Your Son to suffer in our place and to pay the penalty that we rightly deserved.  Thank You for allowing us to approach Your throne of grace with confidence.  Give us richly of Your Holy Spirit so that we might experience the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.  Help us to honor You through our trust in Your promises and through our obedience to Your commands.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
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Oct. 21

1 Timothy 6

I like how Paul sums up the Christian life in verses 11 and 12 "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of the faith.  Take hold of the the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."  Here's where my love for reading comes in.  I noticed that he used active verbs to describe and define our walk of faith.  Much like playing a sport, walking in faith requires training and exercise.  He uses verbs like flee, flight, and take hold of.  When I thought about it, he wasn't telling us to take hold of anything in this life, he was telling us to stay focused on our our eternal life.  Our awareness of God is supposed to be constant - whether we are in prayer and worship or at work, we are called to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal, not on the temporary.  To me, that defines faith.  It is also very difficult because there is nothing passive about following Christ.  All of the verbs used by Paul in regards to our faith require action.  I pray for all of us today, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, God pours into us supernatural strength to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and fight the good fight of faith.  I pray Lord we continue to flee from the love this world offers us in the form of money and material things and help us distinguish between our wants and our needs.  You Lord supply our needs.  Give us strength Lord to be active participants in the Body of Christ and step out in faith, releasing Your Kingdom into this world.  I pray everything we do today be done and said with faith in You.



Randi

October 20

October 20
Jeremiah 35:1-36:32
1 Timothy 5:1-25
Psalm 89:14-37
Proverbs 25:25-27

There is a constant reminder throughout the Bible to listen to the Lord.  Follow His teachings and obey His Word.  Yet kings have burned His Words, people to this day continue to evade the basic principles of doing the right thing according to the will of God.  In 1 Timothy the instructions are simple and explicit.

8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

First God, then family.  When we are convicted by and to the Lord, we can nurture our families and be the example that the Lord wants us to be.  This in turn has the pay it forward effect which all parents pray for in their children.  To do right by others.  Sometimes this comes with maturity, but if we care for our children and parents with tender mercy, perhaps when we come to the time of need, there will be someone who will care for us as well.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Lord, give me the guidance and strength to care for whomever you put in my life, and to care for them with a generous heart with no complaining.  As an imperfect human, I can only do the best I can, but You can help me to do more if I follow Your teachings with my whole heart.

October 19: The Plague of Fine Print and The Spiritual Gym

Jeremiah 33:1-34:22
1 Timothy 4:1-16
Psalm 89:1-13

Proverbs 25:23-24

God's commands through Moses were pretty straightforward - certainly about the jubilee year, when slaves were supposed to be set free (unless they didn't want to be, in which case there were clear instructions for that situation as well, involving an awl and what sounded like a painful piercing).  And the people under Zedekiah seemed to agree - he made a covenant with "all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim freedom for the slaves".  But when the time came, they set them free - and then took the slaves back and enslaved them again.  

I wonder what was going on in the minds of the people who reimposed slavery on those they had freed. While it is entirely possible they told themselves "this is what God wants, what I agreed to do, but I'm not going to do it anymore", it is more likely they talked themselves into thinking there was nothing wrong with what they were doing; they searched through fine print and found what they thought was a good enough loophole.  But God wasn't about fine print and loopholes, and He declared His intention to deliver the people into the hands of their enemies.  

The NT reading alludes to as much - it talks about how "some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons, [that came] through critical liars..." Do you find yourself guilty of that much?  I do.  I rarely ever commit the sin where I say "Ok, God, I know this goes against the seventh commandment, but I'm going to do it anyway".  Instead, I find an excuse - some reason to to justify breaking the commandment - "he doesn't need it anyway"; "it's just a pen - there are lots more in the supply cabinet"; "I'll pay for it later, but I need it now".  Sometimes it isn't even something quite as explicit - "I know I need to talk to God to start my day, but I'll have to do it later -  after all, He wouldn't want me to be late for work, would He?  I mean, He gave me this work,,,"  Yeah, I do that a lot.  And it is frustrating - but how do I overcome it?

Thankfully, the NT reading gives us the prescription - we have to be "nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed...[having[ nothing to do with godless myths...rather, train yourself to be godly/".  Since my knee's been hurt, I've been looking for other ways to stay physically fit.  In fact, I just tried hot yoga the other day.  It was great - 75 minutes in a hot room sweating, trying to find the strength to maintain my balance through various poses.  I am going back this Sunday, and intend to make it part of my schedule.  If I can do that for my physical body, doomed to decay, why wouldn't I do that for my eternal soul?   After all, today's reading make sit pretty clear -  if I am to overcome the plague of the fine print, I have to be even more diligent working out at the spiritual gym.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Saturday, October 17, 2015

[by Keesha Sullivan]

I have to be honest about a few things in order to share the revelation God gave me some years back. There are some people that I have encountered in life that I just didn't think God wanted in heaven. These people might have been bullies, into witchcraft and even into seriously causing harm to others. For a very long time, I took on David's mind frame. David called these people "the wicked." In his psalms he would write things like, "But the wicked will perish: The Lord's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish--vanish like smoke" (Psalm 37:20).

In the Scripture we read today, God's heart is revealed:  "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people...This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1, 3, 4).  God clearly tells us He wants us to intercede on the behalf of others. He wants us to cry out for all of the lost people no matter how mean they've been, how many people they have hurt or the evil practices they might have participated in. God wants us to pray for them. It is God's will for "ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).  If this is God's heart, how do I make it my heart's desire too?

I believe God actually gives us the answer right in this scripture. The Lord says for us to make supplications, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving for ALL people. When I pray for the people that have hurt me (or my loved ones) the most, my heart is softened. My heart's desire easily aligns with my Father's desire. God is calling us to be like Him and to truly love and pray for everyone, that they ALL might spend eternity with Him.

Lord, please give us a heart for the lost. Please give us a heart for those that the true enemy, Satan, has deceived. Please give us a heart of prayer and love so that we might see EVERYONE we encounter come to know You. We love You, Father. We thank You for giving us the supernatural power that we need in order to love others and to honor You.

October 16

Jeremiah 29 

Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite life verse for many. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Life is difficult. There is never a day when we have immunity from the difficult circumstances of life. It is also very hard to keep perspective in those difficult circumstances. How do you do it? I anchor my hopes in the promises of God.  God doesn't promise exemption from the storms of life; he promises enablement in those storms. Many people think that God is in control only when life is storm free. This letter was written in the middle of the fierce storm of exile. They were captives in a country 1500 miles from home. That is not a prosperous situation.

Our goal most of the time is for happiness and comfort in life. We pray like children, "Lord give us a good day."  But God's goal for us is always holiness. God's plan is to make us into the likeness of His Son Jesus. God also promises to prosper us, but His definition of prosperity is very different than ours. Prosperity to God is more connected to eternal values than earthly comforts. So regardless of your circumstances today, lift up your eyes to our God who promises us that He is good and also great. And that even though the hurricane winds are blowing around us, He is in control and He has a plan.

Join me in prayer for our 47 women on retreat this weekend at Spofford. Let's pray for three things:

1. That they would experience the presence of Christ in everything they do.

2. That the Holy Spirit would speak to every woman.

3. That they would deepen their relationship with each other and with God.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, October 15

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

Jeremiah 26:1–27:22

2 Thessalonians 3:1–18

Psalm 85:1–13

Proverbs 25:16

 

 

In today's reading from Jeremiah 26, we find Jeremiah's conflict with the ruling authorities during the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah.  Jeremiah prophesies difficulty for Judah, based on their waywardness from God's intended plans.  Guided by God's word to him, Jeremiah anticipates judgment for the nation.

 

The spiritual leaders bring him before the political leadership, expecting a similar rejection of his message.  In response, Jeremiah offers the following:

 

“Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: ‘The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard.  Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God.  Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you.  As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.  Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.’”

 

Please notice that he does not become defensive nor does he hedge his message.  Instead, he trusts (implicitly) in God's justice for him and, one would surmise, God's protection.  He stays true to God's mission for him, even though the costs seem quite high.

 

By this example, Jeremiah demonstrates the integrity that emanates from godliness -- that is, commitment to God's purposes and will for our lives.  Jeremiah recognizes the costs but didn't shy away from proclaiming the truth.  We should each desire this strength of character to stand firm in the truth.  It only comes through a close connection with God Himself because, otherwise, we would crumble under pressure and self-preservation.

 

The Scriptures commend the righteous person for keeping his or her word, "even when it hurts." (Psalm 15:4)  We will all have opportunities to test our resolve and integrity in the coming weeks.  May we all seek and draw close to God, honoring His will, even when it hurts.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for sharing Jeremiah's example with us.  We appreciate seeing his integrity to speak the truth, despite the very real consequences.  Give us wisdom and strength of character to stand firmly for You in our daily lives.  Help us to be ready to sacrifice for Your truth because "You have the words of eternal life."  We love You and seek to honor You this day.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

 

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October 14

Jeremiah 23-25
2 Thessalonians 2

In today's reading I found a common theme regarding the warning of false prophets.  "I [The Lord] did not send these prophets"  (23:21),  and "Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream but let the one who has my word speak faithfully" (v. 25:28)  Paul's initial encounter with Jesus put him in a very unique position in that he heard God and accepted his role to "speak faithfully".  The same way Jeremiah warned us, Paul also warns us in verse 3 "don't let anyone deceive you in any way."  So that brings us to the ultimate question of how we can weed out God's truth from false words and teaching we are exposed to.   I can only share with everyone what I've learned since I started my journey.  If what I'm asked to believe doesn't match up with Scripture I have to ask someone who knows more than I do.  Fortunately we have amazing leaders to turn to in our church who are very willing to guide and direct us and pray with us.  Staying in the Word is key in order to decipher God's Word from false teachings.  By listening for God's voice in quiet time we open our spirit to meet His and allow His truths to renew our minds. 

Randi

October 12: Joy and Thanksgiving - Always (Always? Yes, Always!)

Jer 19:1-21:14

1 Thes 5:4-28

Ps 82:1-8

Pro 25:7-10

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

- 1 The 5:16-17

There are many difficult commandments.  For me, this is one of them.  Two reasons: first, joy isn't something we receive, it is something we choose to be.  It isn't a product of our circumstances, it is the outcome of our decision.  That puts the burden of joyfulness on me, and on me alone.  And second, there just isn't any wiggle room - "always", "continually", "in all circumstances".  No allowance for anger, for frustration, for sadness, for injustice, for cruelty, for crime - nothing.  In all situations and at all times, I am to be joyful, thankful and prayerful.  

Now I don't know about you, but there are many instances when this has been impossible for me.  Some of them have been sudden bursts of anger; others have led to long-festering thoughts.  But I suspect nothing I have faced can compare with what the Israelites had to look forward to based on Jeremiah's prophecy. And yet God's word is timeless, so the admonition to be joyful had to have been true for them as well - even as they faced the loss of their way of life and exile.  

At first blush, this would seem pretty cruel of God - to ask that we be joyful amidst the pain He had permitted to come to pass.  But the Israelites had fallen away so far from God, and had consistently refused to turn from their self gratification to obedience that God, who was still unwilling to give up on His chosen people, had no choice but to remove that which kept His people from Him.  Funny enough, not unlike my taking my boys' video games away when those become more important than obedience and chores and school.  

But it still isn't easy.  I remember how my parents used to "punish" me when I didn't do what they required.  I used to think it cruel.  It was only when I got to know them - by becoming a parent myself - that I came to understand how much cause for gratitude there was in what they did.  [Thanks again, Mom and Dad!]

I think the same must be true with our Lord. And while we cannot expect to one day be God like Him, we can get to know Him, by spending time with Him in prayer and scripture, so it becomes apparent the love He has for us is why He permits the pain and the struggle.  And while the challenges remain the same, knowing they are His will out of His love for us and for our own good, we may then be able to give thanks and be joyful.  Yes, always.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Saturday, October 10, 2015

[by Keesha Sullivan]

I attended the youth group at our church [Grace] when I was in high school. Our youth pastor at the time was incredibly passionate about reaching the lost. He made it his mission to prepare us as believers to put on the shoes of the gospel of peace and share about Jesus. He challenged us often to do different things that would create conversations about Jesus at our high school. His challenge, my junior year of high school, was to begin bringing the bible to school every day. He wanted for me to place it on my desk and carry it with me wherever I would go.

His tactics were bold, and boy, did they work! One day I walked to the library to study. I placed the bible beside me as I began studying for an upcoming test. Students walked by and slowly gaped at my bible. One student finally came to a complete stop. She said, "Hey!" I looked up and smiled. This girl was a well-known drug dealer in our school that was constantly in trouble. She didn't often talk to me, but today was different.

I said, "Hey! How's your day going?" She shifted uneasily from foot to foot. She whispered in a deep low voice, "Not well… Life sucks." She paused and glanced to her left and right before speaking again. She said, "Do you believe in that bible?" I had been waiting for a conversation just like this one. My heart began thumping with excitement as I readily chirped, "Yes!" She chuckled at my over eagerness to begin talking about the bible. She paused thoughtfully again and asked me, "Do you think that Jesus would let a sinner like me into heaven?"

My eyes lit up. I exclaimed that that was who Jesus wanted and that we were all sinners that fell short of the glory of God. All we needed was to accept His gift of salvation and give our lives to Him. She was really listening. She looked deep into my eyes as if to search whether I was being sincere. I believe that she could tell that I truly believed what I was telling her. She told me that she needed Jesus and we spoke for a few more moments. She had come to me down trodden, but she seemed different when she left.

This story reminded me of our scripture for today. In Jeremiah 15: 19 it said, "19 Therefore this is what the Lord says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me..." All God needs us to do is repent and give our lives to Him as Lord, and we get the gift of heaven. We get the gift of spending eternity with our Father. This is a gift we should want to share with the entire lost world.

Lord, please help us to share the gospel with those that do not know you yet. We know that it is Your perfect will for every person to be saved and not to perish. Please help us to go out and complete the commission you have given us. Help us to go out with the shoes of the gospel of peace and spread your light to all those that have yet to know the joy of being connected with their heavenly Father. In Jesus Name, Amen!

October 9

October 9, 2015

1 Thes. 1:8  The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere.

These believers were both receivers and enthusiastic transmitters of the gospel. Their faith was known everywhere. That is the calling for all of us, to receive the gospel then to transmit it.

The words "rang out" speak of the sound a trumpet makes. They weren't tooting their own horn. They were trumpeting the Gospel. 

What do you think is the best way for us to share the gospel message?  Invite Billy Graham to town for a crusade? How about taking out TV and radio time each week? How about printing more tracts?

80% of people who come to the Lord do so through the sharing of a friend or family member. Personal contact is the key. World isn't coming to us… it's time for us to go to them.

Sheldon Vanauken the author wrote, "The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians-- when they are somber and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths. "

So what message is "ringing out" from our lives? What do people see when they look at us. Do they see Christians who are always angry?

The typical child laughs 150 times daily, but the average adult chuckles only 15 times a day. We are called the children of God we need to be laughing more. In reality we should be the only people laughing.

So our homework today…. Wear a smile and become a friend. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, October 8

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Jeremiah 10:1–11:23

Colossians 3:18–4:18

Psalm 78:56–72

Proverbs 24:28,29

 

 

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings.  He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.  I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.” (Colossians 4:12,13)

 

 

Sometimes, we may have the tendency to breeze through these closing sections to Paul’s letters, as the remarks mainly involved greetings to and from various people in the early ministry or in these early churches.  This verse above from today’s reading struck me, however, as an encouraging reflection on both Epaphras’s example and his prayer objective.

 

Epaphras clearly worked hard in the Lord, serving both his native Colossians through prayer but also making disciples in Laodicea and Hierapolis.  Paul calls out his devotion to God’s work.

 

Digging into his prayer objective – “that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully      m    assured” – it is helpful to reflect on how God may bring about these characteristics in our lives:

 

1.       “Stand firm in all the will of God.”  Along with the church at Colosse, we may grow in giving Christ the pre-eminence in our lives.  We trust Him and experience His goodness by standing firm in God’s will, which will lead to our growth and best interests. 

 

On two separate occasions, both Moses and Jehosophat encouraged the Israelites to “stand firm and see the deliver the Lord will bring you.”  In the same manner, Christ-followers may stand firm today; Paul encouraged the Corinthians to find strength to do so in view of the solid hope of the Resurrection.

 

2.       “Mature.”  Paul includes two modifiers for this action of “standing firm in all the will of God”:  that we would be “mature” and “assured.”   The maturity of which he speaks does not stem from our internal goodness, but rather from God’s refining of our character.  He brings discipline and trials into our lives but never leaves us nor forsakes us.  In this way, He conforms us into the image of Christ, that we may live for His glory (Romans 8:28,29).

 

Psalm 1:2,3 describes the mature person as one “whose delight is in the law of the Lord,./ and who meditates on his law day and night.”  As a result, this “person is like a tree planted by streams of water,/ which yields its fruit in season/ and whose leaf does not wither --/ whatever they do prospers.”  The mature person bears fruit from his or her rootedness to the True Vine, Jesus Christ.  Without that connection, we can do “noting.” (John 15:5)

 

 

3.       “Assured.”  Trusting God lies at the heart of following Him.  We cannot really see transformation in our lives if we are unwilling to commit to His purposes for our lives.

 

Psalm 33:11 encourages us:  “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,/ the purposes of his heart through all generations.”  We understand from the Scriptures that God is committed to bringing His people into closer communion with Him, fitting them more into the image of Christ, and bringing glory and praise to His Name.  As we join Him in these purposes, we find joy and confidence in our rootedness with Christ.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for giving us the opportunity to stand firm in Your promises.  Strengthen us for the road ahead and bring us to maturity.  Assure us of Your lovingkindness towards us.  We love You and thank You for never leaving us nor forsaking us.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

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Oct. 7

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I find myself writing this morning with mixed feelings.  In my prayer time this morning after reading this, I was thanking God for not only the chance to extend God's love to one of Steven's friends, but having a home to offer him during a difficult time.  I have mixed feelings because his friend's mom suffered a stroke.  I can only imagine the confusion and fear that must be running through his friend right now, but yet at the same time God has answered my prayer in allowing us to keep our home and use it as a  constant reminder of His power, love, mercy and grace.  God has put on both Antonio's and my heart to open our home to Steven's friend through this storm.  Please keep in prayer healing for Steven's friend's mom, God's guidance for Steven as he ministers to his friend as well as for God's Spirit to fall upon Antonio and I as God uses us as vessels of His love.  We pray this all in the name of the Lord Jesus, as we are watching for His hand to do miraculous work as we give Him thanks, praise and all the glory.




Randi

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Saturday, October 3, 2015

[by Keesha Sullivan]

     I just realized something absolutely amazing. It made me smile and slightly chuckle. God knows me a whole lot better than I think I know myself. When I was growing up, I wanted to become a lawyer. God told me I was a teacher. When I went into my first serious relationship, I thought this may be it. God told me no I've got even better. When I went on my very first teaching interview, I settled on working in Stamford. The Lord said no I want you in Norwalk. As I look back at my life, I realize that God had the ultimate, perfect plan for my life. He knows me better than I know myself.

     In today's Scriptures we read what the Lord told Jeremiah saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." (Jeremiah 1:5). Before each one of us was seen by a human eye, God knew us and our destiny. He knew the plans that He had for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us. God set us apart for greatness in Him. He knows each hair on our head, every birthmark, scratch and imperfection.

     With God's incredible knowledge of who we are, it only makes sense that we need to be connected with him. We need to ask our Heavenly Father, "What are your plans for my life?" "What do you want me to do today?" God is a God of the past, present, and future. He is omniscient and omnipresent. He knows everything and is everywhere. He will answer and tell us. Since His plans are perfect, it is always best to go with His decisions, His desires and His details.

     Lord, we want You to order our steps today. Help us to walk down the path that you've ordained for us to walk. Lord please help us to trust in You and knowingly give you the reigns of control in our life. We thank You for being such a gracious, kind and loving God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Oct 3

Philippians 3 October 2, 2015

It is another sad day for Christ followers as hatred overflowed its riverbanks in Oregon yesterday. This story is being repeated time and time again, whether it is Kenya, Egypt, Iran, Columbine High School or a prayer meeting in Charleston, South Carolina.  There is a battle between the forces of darkness and Christ's kingdom. We should not be surprised by this, but we should be prepared.

Initial reports state that gunman Chris Harper-Mercer singled out Christians. He asked his victims to stand up if they were Christians. If they stood up, he said, "Good, because you're a Christian, you are going to see God in just about one second."  And then he shot and killed them. If they said no or didn't answer, they were shot in the legs.

The apostle Paul warned us in our reading today, "For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

So the question that must be asked today is, "Would you have stood up?"  Is your faith so strong, your hope so secure that in the face of death you would have the courage to stand?  On June 23, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said  in a speech given in Detroit, "If a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live." It seems that when we discover something we are willing to die for, we also discover what we are willing to live for. I encourage you to live for Jesus and his eternal kingdom.

 

 

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, October 1

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015

Isaiah 62:6–65:25

Philippians 2:19–3:3

Psalm 73:1–28

Proverbs 24:13,14

 

 

“Yet I am always with you;

    you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

    and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.”  (Psalm 73:23–26)

 

 

In today’s Psalm, Asaph provides a wonderful insight into the challenges that we all face in potentially envying other people.  In this case, he begins to pout about the futility of his faith, in light of great success of “the wicked”:  “Surely in vain I have kept my heart purse/ and have washed my hands in innocence./ All day long I have been afflicted,/ and every morning brings new punishments.” (Psalm 73:13,14)

 

Asaph struggled to comprehend how “the wicked” prospered:  “always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.”  (73:12)  He had apparently not received the same good fortune and wondered if he had sought the Lord in vain, if his commitment had been without purpose.

 

We have all faced temptations to engage in this type of thinking.  Jesus Himself guaranteed that we would face trouble in this world, and Paul predicted that we would face others’ disapproval and persecution.  In God’s economy, we understand that “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.”  The earthly order will give way to the heavenly one, according to God’s plan and purpose.

 

As with Asaph, in order to “snap out” of the slimy pit of envy and self-pity, we must train our eyes on God Himself.  Asaph doesn’t receive his restoration and renewal from within; rather, he experiences newness through God’s presence alone.  He remembers God’s consistent presence with him and His guidance by His “counsel.”  He has a secure hope in God’s “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,” as stated in “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

 

Asaph recognizes that he truly desires God’s presence and that nothing in heaven or on earth could bring him greater satisfaction.  We may lose our earthly strength, but God will remain “the strength of my heart/ and my portion forever.”  Therefore, we do not “lose heart” but may press forward to knowing God, which Jesus declared as the very center of eternal life. (John 17:3)

 

How may we experience God’s presence today?  How could you set aside a few moments to invite His presence?  You might start with listening to a praise song or reading His Word.  Then, you might confess your sin and honor Him by declaring your thanks and praising His goodness.  Finally, you could sit back and listen for His voice.  Would you like the refreshing and cleaning of His presence this evening?

 

 

Lord God, thank You for Your wonderful presence.  Help us to seek You this evening and to receive a heart restoration from being there.  Strengthen us for Your purposes, and bring us joy as we seek godliness with contentment.  We love You and thank You for never leaving us nor forsaking us.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

 

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